“Fatal Disguise”: 20/20 Reports on Rusty Sneiderman Homicide November 15 2024

On November 15, 2024, ABC’s 20/20 will revisit one of Atlanta’s most haunting and complex murder cases—the death of Rusty Sneiderman. The two-hour special, hosted by Deborah Roberts, will delve into the chilling details of the murder and subsequent investigations, offering a comprehensive look at the shocking crime that gripped the city. Rusty Sneiderman, a successful entrepreneur and devoted father of two, was gunned down outside his son’s preschool in Dunwoody, Georgia, in a public execution-style killing that raised numerous questions. The investigation soon uncovered a series of unsettling revelations, including a link between the victim’s wife, Andrea Sneiderman, and the man who was later identified as the shooter—Hemy Neuman.

The case captured national attention not only because of the brutal murder but also due to the sensational and controversial trial that followed. Hemy Neuman, a coworker and supervisor of Andrea, claimed that voices, allegedly belonging to a demon resembling the voice of Barry White, urged him to kill Rusty. This bizarre defense of insanity, along with allegations of Andrea’s possible involvement in the crime, kept the case in the media spotlight. In this special, 20/20 will explore these developments through interviews with key figures involved, including police officers, attorneys, and friends of the Sneiderman family. The episode promises to provide new insights into the investigation and trial, adding more layers to the tragedy that shattered a family and a community.

The Crime: Rusty Sneiderman’s Murder

On the morning of November 18, 2010, Rusty Sneiderman dropped his son off at preschool in Dunwoody, Georgia, a suburban neighborhood in Atlanta. What seemed like a normal school run quickly turned into a horrific crime scene. After the drop-off, Rusty was approached by a man who, without saying a word, began shooting him. Witnesses recall hearing several gunshots before seeing the shooter, a man wearing a ski hat and a beard, flee the scene in a silver minivan. Despite efforts to save him, Rusty Sneiderman was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The public nature of the crime and the brazen manner in which it was carried out left the community in shock.

As investigators processed the crime scene, they discovered four spent shell casings and began to piece together the few clues available. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras showed a man matching the description of the shooter, but he was well disguised, making it difficult to identify him. With limited information to go on, the police turned their attention to the personal and professional lives of Rusty Sneiderman and his family. This would eventually lead them to Hemy Neuman, an employee at the same company as Andrea Sneiderman, Rusty’s wife. The investigation revealed that Neuman had been seen acting suspiciously near the Sneiderman home in the days leading up to the murder, sparking suspicion about his role in the crime.

The Link Between Andrea Sneiderman and Hemy Neuman

As the investigation into Rusty Sneiderman’s murder progressed, the relationship between Andrea Sneiderman and Hemy Neuman became a focal point. Neuman was Andrea’s supervisor at a local Georgia-based business, and their professional connection soon came under intense scrutiny. Andrea initially denied any romantic involvement with Neuman, claiming that he was simply a mentor to her. However, as detectives dug deeper, they uncovered evidence suggesting that the relationship was more complicated than Andrea had initially admitted.

Andrea’s defense team argued that she had been manipulated by Neuman, who had a history of obsessive behavior. However, prosecutors contended that Andrea had not only been aware of Neuman’s intentions but may have played a more active role in orchestrating her husband’s murder. This theory was based on several pieces of circumstantial evidence, including the timing of Neuman’s actions and the fact that Andrea had lied to investigators on multiple occasions. The prosecution further argued that Andrea’s repeated attempts to conceal the extent of her relationship with Neuman hindered the investigation and allowed the crime to unfold. Throughout the trial, Andrea maintained her innocence, claiming that she had no knowledge of Neuman’s plans to kill her husband.

The Trial: Defense, Perjury, and Sentencing

In the aftermath of Rusty Sneiderman’s murder, Hemy Neuman was arrested and charged with the crime. His defense team introduced a bizarre insanity defense, claiming that Neuman had been driven to kill by a demon whose voice resembled that of Barry White. This unusual defense raised doubts about Neuman’s mental state and provided a dramatic turn in the case. Despite this, Neuman was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

However, Andrea Sneiderman’s involvement remained a point of contention throughout the trial. While she was initially charged with murder, the prosecution dropped the murder charges on the eve of the trial, instead focusing on charges of perjury, making false statements, and obstructing justice. In 2014, Andrea was convicted of nine counts, including lying to the police and hindering the investigation. She was sentenced to five years in prison, with the judge considering time already served under house arrest.

Andrea’s defense attorneys immediately filed for an appeal, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove their case. They also maintained that Andrea had been unfairly targeted because of her connection to Neuman. In her defense, Andrea expressed regret for allowing Neuman into her life but denied any involvement in the murder. At her sentencing, she spoke tearfully, stating that one of her greatest regrets was not telling her husband about Neuman’s advances and not taking stronger action earlier. The judge, however, criticized Andrea for never taking responsibility for her actions and for failing to admit her faults. The case remains one of the most controversial and complex in Georgia’s legal history, with questions surrounding Andrea Sneiderman’s role continuing to provoke debate.

The Aftermath and Public Reaction

The case of Rusty Sneiderman’s murder sent shockwaves through the Atlanta community and beyond, with the revelation of Andrea Sneiderman’s possible involvement fueling media speculation and public interest. Throughout the trial, the media painted Andrea as a cold and calculating figure, while others believed she had been manipulated by Neuman. The fact that Andrea’s lies during the investigation hindered the pursuit of justice further complicated her public image. Rusty’s family, particularly his brother Steven, was outspoken in condemning Andrea for her actions, arguing that her lies and betrayal had contributed to Rusty’s death.

In contrast, some of Andrea’s friends and supporters believed that the justice system had been overly harsh. They described her as a loving mother who had been caught in an impossible situation. The sentencing brought mixed reactions, with many expressing sympathy for Andrea’s children, who were left without both of their parents. As Andrea served her sentence, the case remained a topic of national conversation, with questions about the true extent of her involvement in Rusty Sneiderman’s murder continuing to linger.

The 20/20 special will shed new light on this tragic case, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the complexities involved and the lasting impact of the events on all those involved. Through detailed analysis and firsthand accounts, the episode will revisit the many twists and turns of a case that forever changed the lives of a family, a community, and an entire nation.